Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Overview And Highlights

Trip Facts

Trip Type

Camping

Grade

Strenuous

Altitude

5,200

Transportation

Land

Group Size

1+

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a strenuous and challenging trek around Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), the seventh highest Himalayan Peak. The trek route lies south of the Tibet-Nepal border and offers great views of Dhaluagiri Massif, which includes more than 30 peaks over 6000 meters, eight of these surpassing 8000 meters.

Trekking in Dhaulaigiri is more like an expedition than a trekking, owing to its wild locations, snow trails and glacier moraines and cold climes. Also termed as ‘number one’ trek in the world, majority of trekkers regard it as a classic trek, having a full range of trekking experiences from low hill to high alpines.

The trek starts from Beni and passes along Myagdi river leading through forests into the high country and onto snow and glaciers trails. The highest point of the trek is French Col (5240m.), which sits across the northern slopes of Dhaulagiri peak, offering a stunning display of Dhaulaigiri ranges. We will then drop to the Hidden Valley and continue our trek over Dhampus Pass (5155m). You can also grab the unique opportunity to climb Damphus (6,060 metres) peak when you are in the area. The trek ends with a steep descent to Jomsom and a quick flight return to Pokhara. The other option is to trek back to Pokhara via the Kali Gandaki valley or over the Ghorepani ridge.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a full-on camping trek and one of the longest trekking trails in Nepal. However, there are few home stay and lodging facilities available.
As it is longer and physically demanding trek, every member is required to have sound fitness and good health. The team members also need to acquire good boots to wear and bring along crampons and ice axes.

September-November and March-May are the best seasons to trek Dhaulagiri Circuit. Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition offer you the best team of highly skilled and professional guides who have already had years of experience of trekking on this route. Our guides will help you provide personal guidance on glacier walking, using ropes and ice axes. 

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Food
Breakfast/lunch/dinner
Accomodation
LODGE
Elevation
1400

You follow the Marshyangdi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns to the Seti River that takes you directly into Pokhara. Pokhara is tourist's paradise with lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with beautiful mountains. You can observe views to the north across the hills and Phewa Tal D from here goes uphill all the way to Naudanda. It then descends to Nayapul with views of Annapurna South, Fish tail, green hills, terraces and villages. To reach Beni, your drive moves along the bank of the Mardi River. This is one of the most picturesque road journeys. Stay overnight at camp/lodge.

Elevation
1110

Same day, you will trek from Darbang to Takum takes about 4 hours. This day your trek ascends through a narrow path for early one hour. Next, you go along the flat land passing through jungle with varieties of rhododendrons, oaks and Christmas trees at some distance. After you cross a small stream, your trail follows an ascending path until you reach Takum. Here, you camp behind the school located in central Takum. Here you will also find a Hindu temple where the villagers go to submit their offerings. Stay overnight at camp.

You start trekking on a descending trail for an early one hour passing through jungle. Then you follow an ascending path and before you approach Muri you pass along flat land until you reach Muri. This is a small village mainly inhabited by Gurung and Rai, one of the ethnic communities of Nepal. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
1570

Trek from Muri to Naura (1570 m.) takes about 5 hours. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
2080

Soon you descend through a forested area, emerging to a ridge snout where Bagar (2080) is visible. Descend through terraced fields to this mountain village where you camp in people's yards or the terraced fields. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
2520

Here, you leave the villages behind and the trial becomes increasingly challenging. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3445

It is also known as Sallaghari. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
3660

Passing through the beautiful forest you rapidly gain altitude and mountains burst out all around. You camp for the night.

After crossing the first glacier, probably using a rope in a couple of tricky spots, you climb onto the main glacier. The surroundings are spectacular which makes up for the rough and dangerous trail. We may also use a rope on this section. This is a particularly tough day. You camp on the glacier rubble. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
4748

Soon the rough rubble gives way to the smooth ice of the white part of the glacier. You climb steadily to the rough and chilling but spectacular Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
5010

You trek along trail covered with ice and soft snow. The stunning views of the Dhaulagiri range completely enchant you. Stay overnight at camp.

Elevation
5200

You traverse avalanche-prone slopes and then take on the steep descent to Yak Kharka. This day you trek through bare land for some distance. Stay overnight in camp.

Elevation
2670

This day the trail moves downhill until Marpha. On the way you pass small forests of juniper and other local vegetation. You will be accompanied by the splendid views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and rocky hills. Stay overnight at camp/lodge.

Drive from Marpha to Pokhara by Jeep/Bus. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon. 

What Is Included ?

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
  • 1 night hotel accommodation with breakfast at 3 star standards hotel in Pokhara
  • Trekking guide
  • Camping crews (Cook, Sherpa, kitchen helper)
  • Porters (1 porter carries 25 kilograms of luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner) 
  • Accommodation: Partly in teahouses and most of the nights camping 
  • Required equipments: Tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, cooking utensil and trekking poles
  • Cooking fuel 
  • Camping charges 
  • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area (ACAP)
  • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • All land transportation: Kathmandu – Beni – Darbang, Marpha to Pokhara by bus/jeep and Pokhara – Kathmandu by a/c deluxe tourist bus
  • Insurance and equipments for all guides and porters
  • First aid kit
  • Tax, VAT and our service charge 
  • Rescue assistance (In case of emergency, we will organize prompt and professional rescue services. To arrange timely evacuation/rescue by helicopter, you must be well insured from a reliable travel insurance company that covers both helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost.)
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening
  • Souvenirs (t-shirt, mug, pen, bag, etc.) 

What Is Excluded?

  • Personal nature expenses (Telephone calls, internet, toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers and any alcoholic beverages)
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for involved staffs 
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara 
  • Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (even in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from trekking due to any personal reason than the scheduled itinerary)

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Altitude Profile

Additional Information

Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor.  Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking. 

General Items:

Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)

Clothing Items:

Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff   

Sun-worn Items:

Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm

Gadgets:

Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),  

Liquid/Snacks:

Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks

Medical Essentials:

First Aid Kit 

Optional:

Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc 

Additional items for camping trek:

Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses

Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price. 

15 Days

  • Best price guaranteed
  • Book now, pay later

Quick Response, Personalized Information

Similar Trips

Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek
Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 18 Days

Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek
Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 16 Days

Panch Pokhari - Jugal Himal Trek
Panch Pokhari - Jugal Himal Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 12 Days

Rolwaling Trek
Rolwaling Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 14 Days

Olangchung Gola Trek
Olangchung Gola Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 26 Days

Rupinala Dudh Pokhari Trek
Rupinala Dudh Pokhari Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 23 Days

Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 14 Days

Gauri Shankar Trek
Gauri Shankar Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 14 Days

Lumba Sumba Pass Trek
Lumba Sumba Pass Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 18 Days

Dudh Pokhari Trek
Dudh Pokhari Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 14 Days

Arun Valley Trek
Arun Valley Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 14 Days

Simikot - Limi Valley Trek
Simikot - Limi Valley Trek

Nepal , Wilderness Trek 17 Days

WE ARE MEMBER OF

  • Tourism Department
  • Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal
  • Nepal Mountaineering Association
  • Kathmandu Environmental Education Project
  • Himalayan Rescue Association, Nepal

ACCEPTABLE PAYMENT CARDS

  • VISA Card
  • Master Card
  • JCB
  • Maestro
  • American Express

Find & Follow Us on